Chapter 200: Make Them Pay!
After receiving Satoru's "unfinished room" as a gift, Aizen became quite busy over the following period.
First, he had to direct Satoru to assist him in using various Kidō to stabilize the space, transforming the temporarily constructed shadow space into a semi-permanent structure.
Once the stabilization was mostly complete, it was time for the interior work.
The two brought various materials and experimental equipment from the Soul Society to furnish the shadow laboratory.
After half a month, the laboratory finally began to take shape.
After wandering for some time without a fixed residence, Kōga finally had a stable new home.
Watching Kōga floating gently up and down inside the large cylindrical tank once more, Aizen revealed a satisfied gaze.
However, this peaceful life did not last long.
One afternoon, Satoru returned to the Soul Society from Hueco Mundo and, as usual, took a less crowded path back to the Second Division.
As soon as he neared the Technical Bureau, Suì-Fēng's figure flickered and appeared beside him.
"Lord Mikami, the Captain-Commander orders you to head to the First Division immediately!"
Satoru was slightly taken aback. "When was this?"
"About a cup of tea ago," Suì-Feng replied quickly. "I searched all the places you usually frequent but couldn't find you. I was just about to check the hot springs in Rukongai when I saw you return."
Hearing this, Satoru nodded.
Good, it had only been about ten minutes—not too much of a delay.
It seemed he would have to ask Aizen to create a device for cross-realm communication. That way, if any emergencies arose in the future, at least Suì-Fēng and Yoruichi could contact him.
After making a mental note of this, he set off for the First Division.
...
...
"You fool!!!!"
In the First Division barracks, Yamamoto's roar echoed through the sky.
The passing squad members, startled by the shout at first, soon resumed their duties as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.
Ever since Satoru had become Yamamoto's disciple, such outbursts had become a common occurrence—they were used to it by now.
In the study, Yamamoto glared, his beard bristling with anger.
"As the Third Seat of the Second Division and a member of the Onmitsukidō, you dare neglect your duties during work hours?!"
"Utterly disgraceful!"
"Speak! Where have you been?!"
Satoru scratched his head.
After thinking for a moment, he replied, "…Contributing to the cause of science?"
"?"
Yamamoto's eyebrow twitched.
His first instinct was to retort—since when did someone like him contribute to science?
But upon reflection, many of the commotions Satoru caused were indeed related to research.
The Mikami Technical Bureau was expanding day by day.
Under the recruitment efforts of Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, not only members of the Second Division but also squad members from other divisions with an interest in research would come during their off-hours to participate in external projects.
Even some of the minor achievements produced by the Technical Bureau had begun to see practical use.
Originally, when people thought of technology and research, the Twelfth Division was the first to come to mind.
But now, many Shinigami had begun to believe that the Second Division's technological prowess surpassed that of the Twelfth Division.
Even Yamamoto had to admit that Satoru had indeed achieved something noteworthy.
After pondering for a moment, the old man shook his head:
"Your intention to develop technology is indeed commendable."
"For the Soul Society, technological advancement truly holds positive value."
"However, in the end, the order of the Soul Society is maintained by strength."
"Others may devote their energy to those unorthodox paths, but you are different. You have the potential to surpass me and become the new strongest Shinigami in the Soul Society."
"You should still focus on cultivating yourself…"
Halfway through his lecture, Yamamoto looked at Satoru standing there with a drowsy expression and felt his blood pressure spike.
"You fool! Listen carefully!!!"
His thunderous roar once again echoed through the First Division headquarters.
...
...
Yamamoto led the way with Satoru, followed by Chōjirō.
The three of them arrived at the Fourth Division.
At first, Satoru was somewhat puzzled, unsure why Yamamoto had brought him here.
Until he saw a white-haired, burly man lying on a hospital bed.
Ninth Division Captain, Kensei Muguruma!
For some reason, even though a Captain-level powerhouse had fallen, Satoru didn't feel it was a major incident.
In the ward, conducting the examination on Kensei was Fourth Division Vice-Captain, Seinosuke Yamada.
Seeing Satoru, he looked surprised. "Satoru? What are you doing here, you lazy bum? Don't tell me you're here to visit… Captain-Commander!!"
Halfway through his taunt, his expression abruptly changed as he bowed deeply to Yamamoto who had entered behind them.
Satoru stood to the side, making various smug expressions and mocking faces at his former classmate.
Foolish Seinosuke, behold! There is now a delightful thick barrier between you and me!
Seinosuke saw it all, fury burning in his heart.
If Yamamoto weren't present, he would have rushed to fight Satoru right then and there!
Yamamoto spoke slowly:
"Vice-Captain Yamada, what is the situation?"
"Yes, Captain-Commander. Captain Muguruma's injuries have stabilized, and he is no longer in critical condition."
"However, when he will wake up depends on his subsequent recovery."
Hearing this, Yamamoto nodded.
Sasakibe approached at the appropriate moment and explained the situation to Satoru.
Not long ago, Kensei and Love Aikawa were dispatched to the human world to coordinate the issue of Quincies eliminating Hollows.
Because the orders they brought were too forceful, strong resistance emerged within the Quincy ranks.
Many Quincies believed they had developed and grown powerful enough that they no longer needed to follow the Soul Society's commands.
Although these individuals represented only a small faction among the human world Quincies, they were very disruptive, creating significant noise that couldn't be completely ignored.
After several failed negotiations, Kensei finally lost his temper in frustration.
He felt these Quincies were deliberately stalling and being evasive.
In a fit of rage, he unleashed his Reiatsu on the spot, intending to intimidate them.
Unexpectedly, the radical faction among the Quincies had been prepared.
The moment he released his spiritual pressure, dozens of Quincies fired spiritual arrows from all directions while using formations to restrict his power.
Caught off guard and outmaneuvered, Kensei was instantly pierced by over a dozen spiritual arrows.
Had it not been for Aikawa saving him, this newly appointed captain might have met his end right then and there.
Now, the Soul Society had dispatched a large number of Shinigami to the world of the living.
Even more troops were gathering, ready to follow up.
A war was on the verge of breaking out!
After Sasakibe finished speaking, Yamamoto spoke:
"Satoru."
"From this moment on, you are appointed as the person in charge of the Quincy issue in the world of the living."
"Once the follow-up troops have assembled, you will lead them to the world of the living."
He slightly narrowed his eyes, his presence as oppressive as heavy dark clouds.
"Make the Quincy pay the price."
"A price that will make them never dare to bare their fangs at the Soul Society again!"